Fire Seasonal Wildland Firefighter

Overview

Job Title:

Fire Seasonal Wildland Firefighter 1 – Olney

Duration: 3–6 months, typically May–September with potential April–October start depending on fire activity.

Location:

Olney, Montana – Housing is available at the site.

• Serve as leader of an initial attack crew and plan and direct suppression of fires.
• Act as incident commander on wildland/urban interface and wildland (forest and range) fires as assigned.
• Maintain crew time records and enforce safety standards.
• Procure supplies, enforce maintenance standards for vehicles, pump tools and other equipment.
• Collect data for fire reports and assist in completion of reports.
• Train and evaluate crew member performance, identifying training needs.
• Direct communication between fire and dispatcher; operate Type V or Type VI fire engines.
• Perform additional tasks such as chainsaw use, mechanical repair, and carpentry as required.

• High school diploma or equivalent (high school graduation reviewed case by case).
• 18 years of age at time of hire.
• Valid driver’s license with less than 12 conviction points over the past 36 months.
• Physical fitness: must pass the Pack Test (carry a 45‑pound pack three miles in 45 minutes) within three weeks of employment.
• Eligibility to work in the United States and documentation of authorization to work (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license, passport or green card).
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for long periods under hot and dirty conditions.
• Experience or training in wildland/urban interface or wildland firefighting, including Red Card qualifications and fire training courses completed.
• Experience working with helicopters or other aircraft is a plus.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

• State application via the State of Montana website (state careers.mt.gov).
• Resume.
• Cover letter addressing the following questions:
  • Describe your training and work experience in wildland/urban interface and wildland firefighting; list current Red Card qualifications and fire training courses completed.
  • Describe any outdoor work or recreation experience and how it pertains to wildland firefighting.
  • Describe your experience and ability to perform physically demanding work for long periods under hot and dirty conditions; what do you do to remain physically fit?
  • Describe any experience working in/around or with helicopters or other aircraft.
  • Describe your ability and give an example of working with a diverse group of people.
  • As a seasonal firefighter you will be asked to perform a wide range of tasks other than fire related duties, such as chainsaw use, mechanical repair, and carpentry. Discuss any skills and abilities you possess in these or other areas.

Assessment will include application, resume, cover letter, interview, references, and a pack test.

The State of Montana does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.